Probable vertical transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection from mother to neonate

Abstract

The pandemic spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has affected 188 countries and territories. Altered physiological status during pregnancy makes a mother vulnerable to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus may be transmitted from mother to baby during antenatal period or postnatal period. Although the primary mode of transmission of the virus is by respiratory droplets, there is emerging evidence of in utero transmission from mother to foetus. In this rare case report, we describe one such episode of probable vertical transmission. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second systematically investigated Indian case, indicating in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to foetus.